Earl Hebner is stirring up discussion by passionately urging WWE to officially acknowledge referees as deserving members of the WWE Hall of Fame. In recent interviews with Muscle Memory by Muscleman Malcolm, prominent officials openly expressed their frustration over what they perceive as WWE’s ongoing oversight of including referees in Hall of Fame honors.
Hebner emphasized, “We belong in the WWE Hall of Fame. We’ve had legends like Mike Chioda, Nick Patrick, Teddy Long, Joey Marella, representing both the old and new generations.”
Many fans already consider Hebner a Hall of Famer due to his involvement in some of WWE’s most unforgettable matches, such as the notorious Montreal Screwjob in November 1997. His grievances arise from the fact that while wrestlers, managers, and announcers frequently receive Hall of Fame recognition, referees have largely been overlooked.
Tim White, who posthumously received the 2003 Warrior Award, remains the only referee to be honored in this way. Earl Hebner is now calling for significant changes regarding this matter.
Fan Take: This push to recognize referees in the WWE Hall of Fame is crucial for honoring the often underappreciated role they play in the sport. Acknowledging officials like Hebner could deepen fans’ respect for every facet of wrestling and ensure that all contributors to the show are given their due recognition.
